Systems, devices and methods for visualizing a target

ABSTRACT

A targeting system for visualizing a target includes a targeting assembly having a main body mountable to a weapon and a rail-locking member selectively mountable to the main body. The main body supports at least one of a visual assembly, a power assembly, and a transmission assembly. Communicating with the targeting assembly is a viewing assembly.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 62/281,273, filed Jan. 21, 2016, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. The Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to systems, devices, and methodsfor visualizing a target and presenting such information to auser/operator of the systems, devices, and methods.

2. The Relevant Technology

Presently, there are a number of systems that enhance a user's abilityto target a firearm utilizing video cameras and displays. One suchsystem utilizes a scope with an embedded computing device that cancorrect for many variables that determine an accurate shot. A user canmark a target within the scope's field of view and then engage thetrigger. The system then manipulates the characteristics of the firearmto account for the series of variables and then causes the gun to makethe shot based on those calculated modifications. However, this systemrequires a very significant mechanical integration between the sightingmechanism and the firearm itself.

Other systems utilize an external screen that attaches to a riflescopefor viewing. In such systems, a video camera is mounted on the distalend of an existing riflescope that sends captured video along ahardwired cable to a screen located at the proximal end of the scope orin another location. These systems are only compatible with certainscopes. In systems requiring a detached external screen, a user mustalternate between his normal field of view and looking at the screen.

Finally, other systems have been developed that enable a semi-automaticfirearm or grenade launcher to fold and shoot around corners. Thesesystems included built in cameras that have hardwired connections to asmall screen attached to the side of the weapon. This allows a user toview what is around a corner in the attached screen and then accuratelyfire a shot. However, such systems require a user to look directly atthe screen on the gun to see where they are shooting. The process andmechanism that enables the firearm to shoot around corners is alsoinherently slow and requires specific conditions and lots of time.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To overcome difficulties with existing technologies, one targetingsystem as described herein is compatible with various weapons havingaccessory rail-type attachment structures. The targeting systemsdescribed herein can be a small weapon attachment that is inexpensive toproduce and has a wide compatibility with most firearms.

One targeting system utilizes a small monocular display worn by a user,such as see-through displays, eyeglasses, eye spectacles, or otherwearable device. The monocular device is small and lightweight andallows the user to maintain visualization on both the user's normalfield of view as well as the field of view corresponding to thedirection of the firearm.

Thus, the described targeting systems allow a user to peer around,above, or below corners or other obstructions with virtually anyfirearm. Additionally, the monocular viewer allows the user to maintaintheir normal field of view and awareness without having to alternatetheir gaze to a screen attached directly to the firearm. A user canaccurately shoot or check a target position without looking directly atthe target or even the firearm itself.

One targeting assembly is configured to be selectively attached to anaccessory rail of a suitable device, such as a firearm, toy, drone, orother similar device. The targeting assembly includes a visualizationassembly configured to capture video within the field of viewcorresponding to the direction the device is aimed. Upon collection ofvideo data, the data may be modified to include enhancements, or left inits original state. Once the video has been processed, it is passed to avideo transmission component suitable to wirelessly transmit the videodata to a suitable receiver.

A receiver assembly is configured to receive transmitted video data fromthe targeting assembly. Upon receipt, the receiver assembly may modifythe video data in the first instance, additionally modify the videodata, or pass the video data unmodified to a display assembly by meansof a physical video data stream data transmission cable connecting thetargeting assembly to the viewing assembly. Additionally, the receiverassembly provides power to the display assembly by means of the samecable or an additional cable.

Video received at the display assembly from the receiver assembly isthen displayed to a user on a video display mounted in front of one orboth of a user's eyes. The display assembly, in one configuration, isremovably mounted to a user's eyeglasses, goggles, or other suitableframe such that the display assembly remains substantially statically inthe user's line of sight. The video receiver can be powered by thereceiver assembly. Additionally, the display assembly may be adjusted bymeans of adjuster members in order to customize the location of thedisplay screen to a given user's eye(s).

Depending on the embodiment, the various components include one or moreof a transmission or receiving module, on screen display module,batteries, custom printed circuit board, power regulators and channelswitches. In some embodiments, sub-assemblies may be combined, while inother embodiments, the components may be in separate units. For example,in some embodiments, only the batteries may be stored in a first unit(perhaps carried in the user's pocket or on the clothing or accessoriesof the user) while the receiver module, PCB, on/off switch, and channelswitch may be in a second unit attached to the user's helmet or someother location. Such split embodiments may be beneficial to allow foruser convenience and mobility or to provide batter expansioncapabilities.

The on screen display module can be programmed to display a digitalcross hair in the center of the monocular display. The sighting in ofthe digital cross hair can be performed using on the attachment, wherethere are x-axis and y-axis knobs to adjust the camera lens inconjunction with an opposing biasing member. However, in otherconfigurations the sighting in may be adjusted digitally on themonocular display and not on the attachment assembly, where the digitalprocessing would take place in the battery pack. The custom printedcircuit board can be used to mount the electric modules to anexoskeleton in a sound and durable way.

These and other objects and features of the present invention willbecome more fully apparent from the following description and appendedclaims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forthhereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of thepresent invention, a more particular description of the invention willbe rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof that areillustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that thesedrawings depict only illustrated embodiments of the invention and aretherefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention willbe described and explained with additional specificity and detailthrough the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a targeting assembly portion of a targetingsystem attached to a compatible firearm, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are illustrations of a user monocle and glasses assemblyportion of a targeting system as worn by a user of a targeting system,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2C is an illustration of a user monocle power supply assemblyportion of a targeting system, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3A illustrates various components of a targeting assembly of atargeting system in an unassembled view according to the targetingassembly portion of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3B illustrates a targeting assembly FIG. 1 with an exoskeleton,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3C illustrates a relationship between a portion of the targetingsystem of FIG. 1 and a holster for a weapon, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a side view of a targeting assembly portionof a targeting system attached to a compatible firearm accessory rail,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5A illustrates a cross-section of a targeting assembly portion of atargeting system along with several sub-assemblies included in thetargeting assembly, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5B illustrates an alternative cross-section of a targeting assemblyportion of a targeting system highlighting the arrangement of somesub-assemblies included therein, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5C illustrates some cavities and recesses of the main body of atargeting assembly portion of a targeting system that are configured tosecurely house sub-assemblies of the targeting assembly, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 6A is an illustration of an adjustable sighting mechanismsubassembly of the targeting assembly portion such as the targetingassembly shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5A, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6B is an is an illustration of an alternative view of an adjustablesighting mechanism such as the one illustrated in FIG. 3A, according toan embodiment

FIG. 7A illustrates a video receiver module and battery pack assembly,along with several sub-assemblies, of a targeting system, according toan embodiment.

FIG. 7B illustrates an alternative view of a receiver module and batterypack assembly in a configuration installed on a user helmet, accordingto an embodiment.

FIG. 8A is an illustration a display assembly portion of a targetingsystem as mounted to a user-worn eyeglass, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8B is an illustration of a display assembly portion of a targetingsystem with an alternative mounting structure, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a display mounting frame of a user viewingassembly portion of a targeting system, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of several targeting assembly components thatenable a targeting assembly to be mounted according to several differentmounting configurations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A targeting system according to the embodiments contained herein,includes several assemblies working in tandem to form a system. Broadly,a targeting system will include a weapon mounted targeting assembly, auser worn viewing assembly, a transmission receiver, and battery packassembly. Depending on the particular embodiment, these assemblies maybe configured differently in order to obtain certain benefits ordesirable attributes. In some embodiments these assemblies may becombined into combination sub-units, or some portions of a givenassembly may be configured as an additional or alternative assembly. Theembodiments that follow generally illustrate some configurations in amanner that will allow better understanding of the purpose of eachassembly and subcomponent. However, it should be noted that thefollowing embodiments are non-limiting and other configurations arepossible and may be desirable.

Illustrated in FIG. 1 is a targeting system 100. Targeting system 100includes a targeting assembly 102 attached to a weapons accessory rail104 installed on a weapon 106. Illustrated in FIG. 2A is an associatedviewing assembly 200 that includes user glasses 202, a user monocleassembly 208 attached to glasses 202, a receiver assembly 206, and aphysical cable 210 connecting viewing assembly 200 to receiver assembly206. Receiver assembly 206 is attached to an arm 204 of user glasses202.

The targeting system 102 and viewing assembly 200 can communicate witheach other via a wired connection or a wireless connection, such as aBLUETOOTH connection or other wireless connection utilizingelectromagnetic wave technologies. The targeting assembly 102 mounts toor otherwise cooperates with a weapon 106 having a rail mount oraccessory rail 104. For instance, the targeting assembly 102 includesstructures complementary to a Picatinny rail, Lever rail, Weaver rail,or other rail-like structure that aid with mounting of variousaccessories to a weapon. The illustrated configuration depicts theaccessory rail 104 provided on a lower portion of the weapon 106,however, those skilled in the art will understand that the accessoryrail 104 can be on an upper portion of a weapon's receiver, on a side ofa weapon's receiver, or on some other portion of the weapon.

In addition, other targeting assemblies could be associated with a kit4000, such as the kit schematically illustrated in FIG. 10 that includesvarious different mounts to allow use of the targeting assembly withdifferent weapons or structures associated with weapons. For instance,instead of including structures complementary to an accessory rail, thekit could include multiples mounts that allow the components of a targetassembly to be mounted to an accessory rail, a scope, and a barrel of aweapon. This allows the targeting assembly to be compatible with allfirearms or weapons with an accessory rail, all air soft guns with anaccessory rail, all firearms or weapons with a scope, paintball guns,and shot guns. This wide compatibility is what makes the targetingassembly of the present invention to be unique compared to other weaponcamera-display systems.

In still another configuration, the previously described kit 4000 couldinclude mounts to allow the components of the targeting assembly to bemounted to a drone, so providing a very compatible and durablefirst-person view (FPV) solution.

The viewing assembly 208 generally presents images or visual indiciarepresentative of the image or scene viewed by the targeting assembly102 to an operator of the targeting system 100. For instance, theviewing assembly 208 can present the image or scene to one or both ofthe operator's eyes using a wearable device or another deviceselectively attachable and detachable to a wearable device.

A user as is able to manipulate a weapon 106 with an attached targetingassembly 102 to view using viewing assembly 208 any target in the firingdirection of the weapon 106 without having to place the weapon 106 nearthe user's head. For instance, a user could manipulate the weapon 106and attached targeting assembly 102 to view around an obstruction, suchas a wall, while still allowing the user to see targets via viewingassembly 208. This diminishes exposure of the user to potentiallydangerous targets and increases the safety of the user.

The targeting system 100 also reduces the amount of time it takes to aimand fire because, once powered on, the user can immediately beginaiming. Such an immediate aiming system provides a significant tacticaladvantage or home defense environment by allowing a user to safely checkaround cover when moving into position by exposing only the weapon andtargeting system to danger. It also allows a user to attack and defend aposition by shooting accurately around cover. A user may also checkunder doors or overhead before breaching an obstruction.

As illustrated in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, in addition to the weaponsmounted targeting assembly, in one embodiment of the targeting system, auser monocle assembly 200 is included. This monocle assembly 200 enablesa user to see the video stream produced by the targeting assembly 102 asshown and described in FIG. 1. By decoupling the video display systemfrom the video capture system, a user has greater ability to acquiretargeting information that, if required manually to sight, would beeither impossible or dangerous for the user.

The viewing assembly 200 includes a receiver assembly 206 that receivesa wireless transmission of video stream data from a targeting assemblymounted on a user's firearm or weapon. In some embodiments, receiverassembly 206 includes a wireless antenna to maintain connection to thetargeting assembly 102 using any compatible wireless radio frequencytransmission signal, such as BLUETOOTH or 802.11x. In some embodiments,the receiver assembly 206 includes any suitable solid-state videoprocessor microchip capable of processing the received video stream dataand converting it into electrical signals appropriate for display on aviewing portal, such as a video display 208 of display assembly 200, asillustrated in FIG. 2A. The converted video stream data is then passedfrom the video processor microchip to the video display 208 along aphysical video transmission cable 210.

In one embodiment, receiver assembly 206 also includes video stream datastorage capabilities. As would be known by one skilled in the art,removable video storage 212 allows any video stream data received byreceiver assembly 206 to be stored on removable solid-state storage,like flash memory, in addition to being transmitted to the video monitor203 of video display 208. Such storage medium can be swapped out forhigher or lower data capacity based on user preference and from acomplementary storage port.

Removable storage functionality allows the targeting system to recordvideo of firearm or weapon activity. For example, a recreationalpaintball player could record a match or a recreational hunter a trophyhunt. Recording functionality could also serve as an exoneration toolfor self-defense or law enforcement applications.

As shown in FIG. 2C, power may be provided to the various assembliesrequired for user monocle assembly 200 via integrated power assembly209. Power assembly 209 includes a removable or rechargeable battery214, charging port 216, and an on/off switch 218. Because the monocleassembly 200 is worn on the face of a user, power cable 210 may beimplemented in various lengths or configurations. In one embodiment,power cable 210 is of sufficient length to extend to an auxiliarybattery-pack worn or carried by a user in a location other than on theeyeglass assembly 202. This would allow for a physically larger batterpack and subsequently longer battery life. Where portability ispreferred over battery life, power cable 210 may be shortened to allowfor a battery back to be mounted on an arm 204 of eyeglass assembly 202or behind the head of the user.

In some embodiments, power assembly 209 is incorporated within the bodyof receiver assembly 206 while in other embodiments, power assembly 209may be an additional housing mounted to glasses 202 or elsewhere on theuser.

As understood by one skilled in the art, a power assembly 209 wouldprovide electrical power directly to receiver assembly 206. To reduceweight and mitigate any additional interference to the user's field ofview caused by additional cables, video transmission cable 210 may alsobe configured to pass sufficient electrical power to video display 208in addition to video stream data.

In some embodiments, the power assembly 209 may also include an externalcharging port 216 and an on/off switch 218. In some embodiments, thecharging port 216 is utilized by a user where a rechargeable batterypack is preferred. The charging port may also be configured to allow forcharging an included battery 214 either through direct connection to apower grid or though connections like USB or micro-USB and includesinternal power regulation circuitry to ensure proper chargingcharacteristics.

In some embodiments, display assembly 208 and receiver assembly 206(with associated power assembly 209, depending on the configuration) maybe removably attached to any user worn eyeglass 202. The receiverassembly 206, with associated power assembly 209, are selectivelymounted to an arm portion 204 of the eyeglass 202, directly or by way ofan intermediate mounting member, to fixably or removably mount thereceiver assembly 206 and associated power assembly 209. For instance,the intermediate mounting member or portions of the receiver assembly206 and/or power assembly 209 can included recesses that receive the armportion 204 in at least a partially overlapping manner or can be mountedto a side of the arm portion 204 opposite to the side of the arm portion204 that would contact a user's head during use. In addition, mountingcan be achieved through use of fasteners, adhesives, complementaryengaging structures, hook and loop fasteners, or other structures forfixably or removably mounting the receiver assembly 206 and associatedpower assembly to the eyeglass 202.

Display assembly 208 is removably attached to the lens portion of anyuser worn eyeglass by way of one or more attachment members. In someembodiments, suction mounting cups 224 may be attached to each corner ofthe surface of display assembly 208 that faces the user's eye. Byapplying pressure to the display assembly 208 with one or more suctionmounting cups 224 in contact with any suitable eyeglass lens, displayassembly 208 can be mounted in a manner that places the video display203 in the line of site of one eye of the user. The display assembly 208could, alternatively, be mounted to a portion of the frame surrounding alens portion of the eyeglass 202, whether fixed or removably mountedthereto, such as through similar manner to which the receiver assembly206 and/or power assembly are mounted to the eyeglass 202.

Turning now to FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, one embodiment of the targetingassembly 102 as illustrated in FIG. 1 is shown in greater detail. FIG.3A illustrates targeting assembly 300 that includes severalsubassemblies including a main body 302, with a cover 303, a visualassembly 304, a power assembly 320, and a video transmission assembly330. Visual assembly 304 further includes an objective lens and shutterassembly 306, at least one solid-state electronic image sensor 308, suchas a CCD image sensor, and any compatible solid-state video imageprocessing microchip 310 known in the art.

The visual assembly 304 is placed at the front of the main body 302 withthe objective lens 306 passing through an exterior of the main body 302so that it can acquire a field of view corresponding to the directionthat the main body 302 is oriented. The exterior of the main body 302through which the housing of the objective lens 306 passes can beconsidered a front facing portion 348 of the main body 302 whichcorresponds to the portion of the main body 302 which faces thedirection that a user would point or aim the firearm or weapon on whichthe targeting assembly 300 is installed.

The subcomponents of the visual assembly 304 function together in anymanner known in the art to produce a video stream which is passed to thevideo transmission assembly 330 that then transmits the video streamdata to any compatible video receiver via wireless transmission antenna332.

In one embodiment of the targeting assembly 300, the solid-stateelectronic image sensor 308 would be sensitive to light in the visibleelectromagnetic spectrum. In such an embodiment, the video data streamproduced, transmitted, and utilized by a user would be a generallyaccurate representation of what the user would see with their own eyeswere they to look in the general direction that the targeting assembly300 was directed. Because the targeting assembly 300 can be manipulatedby the user, however, the field of view seen by the user through thetargeting assembly could conceivably be beyond what the user could seewith her own eyes (i.e., if the targeting assembly 300 was held abovethe user's head) or beyond what the user could see without placingherself in danger (i.e., if the targeting assembly 300 was used to lookaround a corner for hostile targets.)

In another embodiment of targeting assembly 300, the solid-stateelectronic image sensor 308 would additional (or exclusively) besensitive to light in the non-visible electromagnetic spectrum, such asinfrared light. This would enable a user all of the advantages previousembodiment plus the ability to see other characteristics of the field ofview theretofore invisible to the user, such as infrared radiation.

In other embodiments of targeting assembly 300, the solid-stateelectronic image sensor 308 may be capable of increasing visibility inlow-light environments so that a user can see objects or targets thatthey otherwise would be unable to seen due to darkness. In anembodiment, the solid-state image sensor 308 may include a variety ofpixel counts sufficient to categorize the sensor 308 as producing astandard definition, high definition, 4 k definition or other sensorcategory. Further, the sensor 308 may include a sensor withcharacteristics unrelated to standard sensor nomenclature regardingdefinition levels.

In other embodiments, video image processing microchip 310 may becapable of introducing a digital representation of firearm or weaponreticles to the video stream data it receives from solid-state imagesensor 308. By combining the video images received from the field ofview of targeting assembly 300 with a digital representation ofreticles, the user may more accurately determine the precise targettheir firearm or weapon will hit. The digital composite of the targetingimage may take the form of a traditional cross hair, single weightedcenter point, duplex reticle, mil dot reticle, range finder, circle, orother similar reticle configuration. Processing microchip 310 may alsobe configured to make additional enhancements to the received videostream including heads-up display information, system statusinformation, or other user designated data.

The main body 302 may be manufactured from a range of materials, such asmetals, alloys, polymers, composites, combinations therefore, or othermaterials that provide physical protection of the internal componentswhile allowing reduced weight. For instance, in some configuration,aluminum and/or carbon-reinforced polymers are used.

The main body 302 may alternatively be encased in an exoskeleton 360,illustrated in dotted lines in FIG. 3B, that aids in protecting the mainbody 302 and the sub-assemblies located therein. The exoskeleton 360 maybe made of the same material as main body 302 or another materialdepending on a particular need. For instance, main body 302 may bemounted within a waterproof exoskeleton when targeting assembly 300 willbe used in a wet environment. Alternatively, the main body 302 may beencased in the exoskeleton that allowed a user an additional hand holdfor manipulating the firearm or weapon that targeting assembly 302 wasmounted on. Such an exoskeleton may be a separate component from themain body 302 installed within, or it may be physically attached to orintegral from the main body 302 and provide additional support,protection, or other similar features to the targeting assembly 300. Insome alternate embodiments, the main body 302 can be the exoskeleton.

In some embodiments, the main body 302 contains two cavities, a frontcavity 340 and a rear cavity 342. The front and rear cavities 340 and342 additionally contain various grooves, including 344, 346. Thecavities and grooves are configured to contain various assemblies andsub-assemblies 304, 320, and 330, as well as the interconnects betweenthe various assemblies and sub-assemblies as required for targetingassembly 300 to perform its various functions.

In one embodiment, front cavity 340 receives visual assembly 304. Thefront cavity 340 cooperates with the front groove 344 to receive theobjective lens and shutter assembly 306 of visual assembly 304 andprovide an unobstructed view to the exterior of the main body 302. Frontgroove 344 extends from front cavity 340 through the exterior wall 346of main body 302. The front cavity 340 and groove 344 are configured tomatch the exterior profile of a housing of the objective lens andshutter assembly 304, such that it is protected from external forces andsecurely held in place while preforming its function of collecting lightfrom the field of view corresponding to the orientation of the main body302. For instance, the groove 344 may include a plurality of sub-groovesor recesses, with optional seals, that cooperate with the exterior ofthe housing of the objective lens and shutter assembly 304.

Rear cavity 342 is configured to contain both the power supply assembly320 and the video stream data transmitter 330. Additional grooves mayextend through the portion of main body 302 that partitions the frontcavity 340 and rear cavity 342 to allow necessary hardware connectionsto run between components in the front cavity 340 and the rear cavity342 (e.g., to allow electric connection between the visual assembly 340and the video transmission assembly 330).

Although the rear cavity 342 is depicted as being vertically spacedapart from the front cavity 340, this need not be the case and thebottoms of the cavities 342 and 340 can be generally parallel or thebottom of the front cavity 340 can be closer to the weapon 106 than therear cavity 342 when the main body 302 mounts to accessory rail 104, forinstance.

In one embodiment, one component of power supply assembly 320 is aremovable or rechargeable battery 322. The visual assembly 304 receivespower from the battery by way of hardwired connections running betweenthe battery 324 in rear cavity 342 to the visual assembly 304 containedwithin front cavity 340. Similarly, video stream data transmissionassembly 330 also receives power from power supply assembly 320 throughhardwired power connections.

It should be appreciated that, the various grooves and cavities areconfigured to precisely receive the various subcomponents within thehousing. By doing this, the cavities and grooves function together toprotect the internal components from external factors that may bedetrimental to proper functioning such as weather, physical impact, orthe like. In addition, the various cavities and grooves may includesub-grooves and recesses similar to those described with respect togroove 344. In addition, the surfaces of each of the grooves andcavities can have a continuous surface or intermittent or broken surfacewhile still supporting whichever components are mounted therein orthereto. Further, the cavities and grooves can alternatively oradditionally include one or more seals or cushioning members, such asrubber, foams, etc., to limit transmission of shock forces to mountedcomponents. The cavities and grooves, and associated components of thetargeting system can include cooperating locking features, such asdetents, threads, pins, etc. which allow releasable connecting,coupling, or otherwise mounting of different components of the targetingsystem to the main body. Alternatively, those components can be joinedwith the main body 320 by adhesives, thermal bonds, or other manners ofsecurely attaching those components to the main body 320.

Additionally, the cavities and grooves may decrease the difficultyrequired to install, repair, or upgrade internal components. Forinstance, video camera technology like that employed in visual assembly304 is frequently improved. In the future, a newer visual assembly maysimply be dropped into the place of current visual assembly 304 by auser to upgrade the functionality of the targeting assembly 300.Alternatively, as was described in reference to FIG. 1, the visualassembly may be interchangeable with assemblies that include solid-stateimage sensors sensitive to additional or alternative frequencies ofelectromagnetic radiation.

Likewise, battery technology like that employed in power assembly 320 islikely to be improved in the future yielding batteries with moredesirable characteristics such as longer life, shorter recharge times,or reduced weight. In the modular design employed by targeting assembly300, rechargeable battery 322 could be easily replaced in the future toincrease the capabilities of the targeting assembly.

Turning back to FIG. 3A, power assembly 320 also includes on/off powerswitch 326 or power controller. Switch 326 is mounted within a cavitythat extends from the exterior of main body 302 into rear cavity 342 andconnects to rechargeable battery 322. Generally, the switch 326regulates power flow from the power assembly 320 into the visualassembly 304 and video stream transmission assembly 330. Due to itsplacement on the side of main body 302, the switch 326 can mate with anysuitable weapons holster 380 to enable automatic power on or offswitching whenever the weapon is drawn or holstered.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3C, a user may have a weapon with amounted targeting assembly 300 holstered in a suitable holster 380. Inthis position, switch 326 would be in the “off” position to conserve thelife of battery 324. Further, in this position no video data streamwould be collected by visual assembly 304 or transmitted by video streamdata transmitter 330. When the user withdrew the weapon from the holster380, switch 326 would be engaged by a complementary element or structure382 of the holster 380, such as a recess, cavity, detent, pin, extendingmember, or other structure, to change switch 326 to the “on” position.Simultaneously, visual assembly 304 would begin producing video streamdata and passing it to video stream data transmission assembly 330 fortransmission to the user.

By enabling automatic on/off switching synced with the withdrawal andholster of a targeting assembly mounted weapon improves both the powerconsumption profile of the device as well as ensuring that videotransmission to the user will begin automatically when the device isdrawn. This improves both the functionality of the device and the safetyof the user.

Various other types of switches or complementary engagement between theswitch and a holster or other structure configured to hold a weapon arepossible. For instance, the complementary engagement between the holsterand a switch or other controller for controlling power delivery to thetargeting system can occur with drawing or holstering the weapon indifferent direction, i.e., a generally upward movement from the holster,a generally forward movement from the holster away from a user, agenerally rearward movement from the holster and away from the user, agenerally sideward movement from the holster and away from the user, orany combination of those movements. In addition, various types ofswitching structures are possible, with it being understood thatportions of the “switch” can be distributed between the targetingassembly and the holster, such that in some cases a circuit has a firststate causing the targeting assembly to be turned off when the targetingassembly, and associated weapon, are supported in the holster, and asecond state causing the targeting assembly to be turned on when thetargeting assembly, and associated weapon, are removed from the holster.Switches include, but are not limited to, toggle switches, pushbuttonswitches, proximity switches, optical or electromagnetic radiationswitches, pressure switches, or other switches that would change on/offstate of the target assembly through separation of the target assemblyand a structure, such as a holster, for selectively holding a weapon.

Targeting assembly 300 of FIG. 3A also includes a weapons accessory railmounting assembly 350. The mounting assembly includes a fixed attachmentrail 352 that extends longitudinally along the bottom face of main body302 from the front or front-facing portion of the device to the rear orrear-facing portion. Attachment rail 352 may be formed out of a portionof main body 302, although the attachment rail 352 can be removablymounted to the main body 302, and has a profile that matches theexterior profile of a weapons accessory rail (not shown). Mountingassembly 350 also includes a removably attached adjustable attachmentrail 354. Adjustable attachment rail 354 has a profile that matches theexterior profile of a weapons accessory rail. When attachment rail 354is installed, the area between rail 352 and 354 creates a profile tosecurely attach targeting assembly 300 to a compatible weapons accessoryrail such as accessory rail 104 from FIG. 1. Stated another way, thearea 350 between the profiles is complementary to an inverse profile ofa suitable weapon accessory attachment rail.

To aid in securing the targeting assembly to a weapon, the mountingassembly also includes rail mounting pin 356 with a corresponding railmounting pin guide 356. Mounting pin 356 may be formed from the mainbody 302 or separately selectively removably mounted to main body 302.The mounting pin 356 serves as a guide for mounting adjustable rail 354by sliding through the mounting rail guide 358 found therein. In oneembodiment, the rail mounting pin 356 is threaded such that a thumbscrew can be used to secure detachable rail 354 in place once themounting pin has been extended through and beyond rail mounting pinguide 358. Alternatively, setscrews or other structures can be used toselectively mount the adjustable rail 354 to the main body 302, whetheror not the main body has the mounting pin 356. For instance, theadjustable rail 354 can slidably mount with a complementary structureextending along the main body 302 from the front facing portion towardsthe rear facing portion, or vice versa, with the position of theadjustable rail 354 being governed by a set screw extending through aportion of the main body and contacting the adjustable rail 354.Optionally, a closed end of the complementary structure would limitmovement of the adjustable rail 354.

It should be appreciated that adjustable attachment rail 354 is able tobe secured in place at any distance from fixed attachment rail 352according to the length of rail mounting pin 356 or other mechanism asdiscussed above. This variable width characteristic allows targetingassembly 300 to be mounted securely on weapons accessory rails ofvarious widths so long as the exterior profile of the rail matches theinverse profile 350 of the attachment rails in mounting assembly.Further, by mounting targeting assembly 300 to an accessory mountingrail as an additional citing mechanism on a weapon, any other sightingsystems on the firearm then become a backup feature if any component ofthe targeting system 300 fails.

Another targeting system is described in the following paragraphs inreference to FIGS. 4-10. It should be noted that any of the suitableconfigurations or descriptions included above in connection with thepreviously described targeting system as shown in FIGS. 1-3C may beapplied to the targeting system of FIGS. 4-10, and vice versa.Therefore, description included in either targeting system is notnecessarily meant to imply to only that targeting system but, rather,may be applied to various targeting systems based upon the disclosurecontained herein and which one skilled in the art would understand fromthe contained disclosure.

Turning now to some embodiments of a targeting system, FIG. 4illustrates one embodiment of a targeting assembly 402 of a targetingsystem 400. The targeting assembly 402 is used to visualize a targetwhile reducing risk to the system's operator. Additionally, a targetingsystem as described herein can utilize an accessory rail 404 of a weaponor alternate direct attachment to a portion of a weapon therebyfacilitating use of the system for various weapon systems. FIGS. 5A and5B illustrate embodiments of a visualization assembly 500 of thetargeting system. The visualization assembly includes viewing assembly502 and user eyeglasses 504. FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B are illustrations ofone embodiment of a transmission receiver and battery back assembly 700of the targeting system 400.

In some embodiments, targeting assembly 402 of FIG. 4 is configured totransmit a video stream to transmission receiver and battery packassembly 700 of FIG. 7A. Assembly 700 is then configured to process thevideo stream and then transmit the video stream to viewing assembly 802of visual assembly 800 of FIG. 8A. In this manner, a user is able to seea field of view captured by the targeting assembly 402 withoutnecessarily needing to be able to see the same field of view with theirnaked eye. The benefits of such a system are broad and include increaseduser safety, faster firearm sighting, and increased visualizationcapabilities (e.g., infrared, night vision, etc.).

Specifically, in some embodiments, a user of targeting assembly 402 andvisualization assembly 800 can manipulate a weapon to target anything inthe firing direction of the weapon without having to place the weaponnear the user's head. For instance, a user could manipulate the weaponand attached targeting assembly 402 to view around an obstruction, suchas a wall, while still allowing the user to see targets via viewingassembly 802.

By decoupling the video display system from the video capture system, auser has greater ability to acquire targeting information that, ifrequired manually to sight, would be either impossible or dangerous forthe user. The targeting system also cuts the amount of time it takes toaim and fire because, once powered on, the user can immediately beginaiming. Such an immediate aiming system provides a significant tacticaladvantage in a battlefield or home defense environment by allowing auser to check safely around cover when moving into position by exposingonly the weapon and targeting system to danger. It also allows a user toattack and defend a position by shooting accurately around cover. A usermay also check under doors or overhead before breaching an obstruction.

Turning back to FIG. 4, in one configuration the targeting assembly 402is removably attached to an accessory rail 404. Accessory rail 404 maybe mounted to a firearm, drone, toy, or other device. The targetingassembly 402 includes several sub components responsible for differingfunctions. For example, in some embodiments, targeting assembly 402 willinclude a visual assembly for capturing video in the field of view, avideo stream transmission assembly for processing and then transmittingthe collected video from the visual assembly to other components, and anelectrical power assembly responsible for providing power to thenecessary components.

In some embodiments, the visual assembly can utilize an objective lensand one or more image sensors and image processors to produce a videostream. The video stream of the visual assembly connects to the videostream data transmission assembly for transmitted by the transmissionassembly to another assembly, such as a viewing assembly. The electricalpower assembly can independently power both the visual assembly and thevideo stream data transmission assembly.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the targeting assembly 402includes a main body 406 that has a top face 430 and a bottom face 432.The main body 406 is also oriented into a front facing portion 434 and arear-facing portion 436 where the front facing portion 434 correspondsto the direction that a user would point or aim the device on which thetargeting assembly 402 is mounted. The bottom face 432 includes a firstattachment rail 412 b extending the length of the main body and a secondattachment rail 412 a extending the length of the main and beingremovably attached to the bottom face. In some embodiments, the areaformed between attachment rail 412 a and attachment rail 412 b iscomplementary to the inverse profile of a suitable weapon accessoryattachment rail, such as accessory rail 404.

In some embodiments, targeting assembly 402 includes a visual assembly408 located at the front face 434 of main body 406. In some embodiments,visual assembly 408 includes one or more objective lenses, one or moresolid-state electronic image sensors such as a CCD or CMOS image sensor,and one or more image processing and transmission components. In someconfigurations, the body of the visual assembly 408 is located within acavity of main body 406 with a portion of a lens housing extendingthrough a groove of the exterior of the main body 406. In someembodiments, the orientation of visual assembly 408 is adjustable withadjustment subassembly 416 in order to sight in the attachment with thefirearm so the system can be accurate (embodiments of adjustmentmechanism 416 with associated adjustment member 418 a and 418 b are morefully disclosed in conjunction with FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B).

In some embodiments, an adjustable or multi-angle lens 516 (illustratedas a dotted line) may be interchanged in front of the image capture chipof visual assembly 408 for zoom capabilities without a scope. The lensitself may also include an automatic or manual combination zoom feature.The lens focal length can also be automatically adjusted or manuallyadjusted.

In one embodiment, targeting assembly 402 mounts to or otherwisesecurely mates with a weapon having a rail mount or accessory rail likethe accessory rail 404 shown in FIG. 4. For instance, the targetingassembly 402 may include structures complementary to a Picatinny rail,Lever rail, Weaver rail, NATO rail, or other rail-like structure thataid with the mounting of various accessories to a weapon. FIG. 4 depictsan accessory rail 404 as may be installed on the lower portion of aweapon; however, those skilled in the art will understand that theaccessory rail 404 can be on an upper portion of a weapon's receiver, ona side of a weapon's receiver, or on some other portion of the weapon.

In some embodiments, mounting hardware 414 a and 414 b are configured tomate with accessory rail 404 in order to secure targeting assembly 402.Mounting hardware 414 a and 414 b prevent rotational movement oftargeting assembly 402 by securing removable mounting rail 412 a and afixed mount rail 412 b to accessory rail 404. Stated another way, theprofile formed between rails 412 a and 412 b is complementary to aninverse profile of a suitable weapon accessory attachment rail such asaccessory rail 404.

In some embodiments, mounting hardware 414 a is positioned such that itrests within one of the recesses 420 of accessory rail 404 to preventmovement along the longitudinal axis of the accessory rail 404. Becausethe pattern of recesses differs among available accessory rails,mounting hardware 414 b can be positioned such that it does not directlyengage with the recesses 420 of accessory rail 404. This ensures thattargeting assembly 402 can fit the most number of accessory railconfigurations. In one configuration, the mounting hardware 414 b isspaced from the recesses 420 in a direction towards the top face 430.

Thus, by tightening mounting hardware 414 a and 414 b, movableattachment rail 412 a and fixed attachment rail 412 b will engage with acomplimentary exterior profile of accessory rail 404. At the same time,mounting hardware 414 a is configured to engage with a complimentaryrecess 420 of accessory rail 404. The result is a targeting assembly 402that is securely attached to accessory rail 404 longitudinally,transversely, and rotationally.

In some embodiments, attachment rails 412 a and 412 b extendlongitudinally along the bottom face 432 of targeting assembly 402 fromthe front or front facing portion of the device to the rear orrear-facing portion. In some embodiments, (i.e, as shown in FIG. 5A)attachment rail 412 b is formed out of a portion of main body 406,although attachment rail 412 b may also be removably mounted to the mainbody 406 with screws, bolts, setscrews, grooves, or the like.

In some embodiments, mounting hardware 414 a and 414 b may be comprisedof threaded bolts with mated threaded nuts. In some embodiments, athreaded nut portion may be integrally formed within fixed mounting rail412 b or movable mounting rail 412 a. Mounting hardware 414 a and 414 bmay be made of metal, alloy, plastic, or any other suitable materialsufficient to secure targeting assembly 402 to accessory rail 404 toprevent movement. In other embodiments, the long portion extendingbetween the attachment rails may simply guide movable attachment rail412 a while securing occurs with a threaded nut, knob, thumbscrew, orthe like threaded onto mounting hardware 414 a and/or 414 b. In someembodiments, a combination of tightening configurations may be employedso long as mounting rails 412 a and 412 b can be tightened against theprofile of accessory rail 404.

In some embodiments, a protrusion or surface modification other than athreaded rod may serve to secure the targeting assembly 402 to anaccessory rail 404 in a manner that will prevent longitudinal movementduring use. For instance, in some embodiments, a protrusion may beformed out of main body 406 extending from main body 406 into recesses420 of accessory rail 404.

It should be appreciated that because the length of mounting hardware414 a and 414 b can be varied, targeting assembly 402 can be secured inplace on an accessory rail 404 of any width within the range the lengthof the mounting hardware. This variable width characteristic allowstargeting assembly 402 to be mounted securely on weapons accessory railsof various widths so long as the exterior profile of the rail matchesthe inverse profiles of the attachment rails 412 a and 412 b. Further,by mounting targeting assembly 402 to an accessory mounting rail as anadditional citing mechanism on a weapon, any other sighting systems onthe firearm then become a backup feature if any component of thetargeting system 402 fails.

It should be appreciated that targeting assembly 402 can be mounted inany orientation relative to the device on which it is mounted. In someconfigurations, targeting assembly 402 will be mounted right-side-up,such as an AR-15 type weapon, while in other configurations it will bemounted upside down. In some configurations, it may be mounted on theside of the device. Regardless of the orientation of targeting device402, the orientation of the image viewed by the user would be changed,such as by being flipped, to present the user with the appropriate view.Additionally, sensors within targeting device 402 may also sense theorientation of the targeting device and adjust the video accordingly.This could be accomplished through the use of accelerometers, magnets,video analysis, hall-effect sensors, or the link.

In some embodiments, targeting assembly 402 can be part of a kit, suchas kit 4000 schematically illustrated in FIG. 10, which includes variousmounts to facilitate mounting of a targeting assembly (like thatillustrated in FIG. 4) to different structures, such as accessory rails,scopes, barrels, or toys. For instance, a main body can be modified toreleasably mount to a structure specific mount, such as an accessoryrail mount, a scope mount, a barrel mount, or toy mount. In stillanother configuration, the previously described kit could include mountsto allow the components of the targeting assembly to be mounted to adrone, providing a compatible and durable first-person viewer (FPV)solution.

Such kits would allow the targeting assembly to be compatible with awider variety of firearms, weapons, or other suitable devices likedrones. Such wide compatibility one unique aspect of the presenttargeting assembly compared to other weapon integrated camera-displaysystems.

In still other configurations, the body supporting the structures of thetargeting assembly can be formed in the shape of a part of a weapon toallow for the targeting assembly to be built-in or incorporated in theweapon. For instance, in one configuration the targeting assembly can beincorporated in or replace a spring guide rod of a weapon.

In some embodiments, targeting assembly 402 also includes powercontroller switch 410 mounted within a cavity in main body 406 andextending from the exterior of main body 406 to the interior. Powercontroller 410 connects to and controls the discharge of power frombatteries deposited within targeting body 406 (and discussed in moredepth in conjunction with FIG. 5A). Generally, the switch regulatespower flow from batteries into the visual assembly 406 and othercomponents within targeting assembly 402 that require power.

Due to its placement on the side of main body 406, the controller 410can mate with any suitable weapons holster to enable automatic power onor off switching whenever the weapon is drawn or holstered. Depending onthe embodiment, the controller may comprise a physical on/off toggleswitch, while in more advanced configurations a magnetic reed toggleswitch, light sensing toggle switch, motion sensing toggle switch, orany other toggle switch that allows automatic on/off functionality maybe utilized.

As one example, in configurations utilizing simple, physical toggleswitches, a user may have a weapon with a mounted targeting assembly 402holstered in a suitable holster. In this position, controller 410 may bein the “off” position to conserve power. Further, in this position, novideo data stream would be collected or transmitted by visual assembly408. When the user withdrew the weapon from the holster, controller(switch) 410 would engage a complementary element of the holster, suchas a recess, cavity, detent, pin, extending member, or other structure,to change controller 410 to an “on” position. Visual assembly 408 wouldthen begin producing video stream data and passing it to video fortransmission to the visual assembly of FIG. 5A.

In embodiments that utilize advanced switches (as discussed above), aminimal but sufficient amount of power would constantly be supplied tothe switch. Thus, in order to conserve power when not in use, suchswitches may be controlled through a manual sleep mode switch. In suchembodiments, having the sleep mode in the off position would cut allpower flowing from the battery while having sleep mode on would allowpower to flow only to the advanced toggle switches. Then, the advancedtoggle switch could be configured to determine whether the entiretargeting assembly should be powered or not. In this manner, theadvanced toggle switches save power while leaving the system generallyin a position to rapidly come online

By enabling automatic on/off switching synchronized with the withdrawaland holster of the weapon, or though utilization of a sophisticatedswitch that requires less power than the targeting assembly as whole,the power consumption profile of the device is improved while ensuringthat video transmission to the user will begin automatically when thedevice is drawn. This improves both the functionality of the device andthe safety of the user.

In other embodiments, other types of switches or complementaryengagements between the switch and a holster or other structureconfigured to hold a weapon are possible. For instance, thecomplementary engagement between the holster and switch, or othercontroller, for controlling power delivery to the targeting system canoccur with drawing or holstering the weapon in different direction,(i.e., a generally upward movement from the holster, a generally forwardmovement from the holster away from a user, a generally rearwardmovement from the holster and away from the user, a generally sidewardmovement from the holster and away from the user, or any combination ofthose movements.)

In addition, various types of switching structures are possible, with itbeing understood that portions of the “switch” can be distributedbetween the targeting assembly and the holster, such that in some casesa circuit has a first state causing the targeting assembly to be turnedoff when the targeting assembly, and associated weapon, are supported inthe holster, and a second state causing the targeting assembly to beturned on when the targeting assembly, and associated weapon, areremoved from the holster.

Switches include, but are not limited to, toggle switches, momentarypushbutton switches, proximity switches, optical or electromagneticradiation switches, magnetic switches such as a reed switch or halleffect switch, pressure switches, or other switches that would changeon/off state of the target assembly through separation of the targetassembly and a structure, such as a holster, for selectively holding aweapon.

The main body 406 may be manufactured from a range of materials, such asmetals, ceramics, nanomaterial's, biomaterials, smart materials, alloys,polymers, composites, combinations therefore, or other materials whichprovide physical protection of the internal components while allowingreduced weight. The materials may also be different for different partsin the assemblies to serve a certain function. For instance, in someconfigurations, aluminum for the attachment and a combination assemblyof parts made of high and low density polymers for the monocularassembly and/or carbon-reinforced polymers may be used.

The main body 406 may alternatively be encased in an exoskeleton thataids in protecting the main body 406 and the sub-assemblies locatedtherein. The exoskeleton may be made of the same material as main body406 or another material depending on a particular need. For instance,main body 406 may be mounted within a waterproof exoskeleton whentargeting assembly 402 will be used in a wet environment. Alternatively,the main body 406 may be encased in an exoskeleton that allows a user anadditional hand hold for manipulating the firearm or weapon thattargeting assembly 402 was mounted on. Such an exoskeleton may be aseparate component from the main body 406 installed within, or it may bephysically attached to or integral from the main body 406 and provideadditional support, protection, or other similar features to thetargeting assembly 402. In some alternate embodiments, the main body 406can be the exoskeleton.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, targeting assembly 402 also includes visualassembly 408 and visual assembly adjuster subassembly 416. However, bothof these assemblies are better illustrated using subsequent figures andwill be discussed in due course.

One embodiment of the targeting assembly 402 of FIG. 4 is shown ingreater detail in FIG. 5A. In FIG. 5A, a cross-section of targetingassembly 402 is illustrated as targeting assembly 500 and exposingseveral subassemblies. Targeting assembly 500 includes main body 406, avisual assembly 512, a battery assembly 502, video processor 504,printed circuit board 506, integrated video transmission component 508,and transmission channel selector 510. As understood by one skilled inthe art, the visual assembly 512 is configured to include the componentsto collect and signal a video feed representing the field of view of thetargeting system and would likely include sub-components shown as dottedline 516 including an objective lens and shutter assembly, at least onesolid-state electronic image sensor (such as a CCD or CMOS imagesensor), and any compatible solid-state video image processing microchipknown in the art. As will be discussed in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, thevisual assembly 512 may also be adjustable to allow the targetingassembly 402 to be easily calibrated to different firearms.

In some embodiments, battery assembly 502 is connected to powercontroller 410, a charging port, and a power charge regulator such as amicrocontroller programmed with a low voltage cut off. Battery assembly502 is also connected to the other internal components of targetingdevice 502 in order to supply power for operation.

For example, in some embodiments, battery assembly 502 also providespower to visual assembly 512 in order to power the image sensor andtransmit sensor data to video processor 504. Likewise, power is providedto video processor 504 in order to process raw video received fromvisual assembly 512 into a format that can consumed by a user. In someembodiments, video processor 504 may also be configured to modify orenhance raw video received from visual assembly 512.

In one embodiment of the targeting assembly 500, a solid-stateelectronic image sensor 516 may be sensitive to light in the visibleelectromagnetic spectrum. In such an embodiment, the video data streamproduced, transmitted, and utilized by a user would be a generallyaccurate representation of what the user would see with their own eyeswere they to look in the general direction that the targeting assembly402 was directed. In some embodiments, the video stream would beenhanced by video processor 504 to include a reticle, digital crosshair, or other targeting aid. Such enhancement may occur at thetargeting assembly 402 prior to transmission using an appropriatereticle generator, or it may occur after transmission but before displayto the user. By combining the video images received from the field ofview of targeting assembly 402 with a digital representation ofreticles, the user may more accurately determine the precise targettheir firearm or weapon will hit. The digital composite of the targetingimage may take the form of a traditional cross hair, single weightedcenter point, duplex reticle, mil dot reticle, range finder, circle, orother similar reticle configuration.

Because the targeting assembly 402 can be manipulated by the user,however, the field of view seen by the user through the targetingassembly could conceivably be beyond what the user could see with herown eyes (e.g., if the targeting assembly 402 was held above the user'shead) or beyond what the user could see without placing herself indanger (e.g., if the targeting assembly 402 was used to look around acorner for hostile targets.)

In another embodiment of targeting assembly 402, the solid-stateelectronic image sensor of visual assembly 512 would be configured,additionally or exclusively, to receive and transmit light in thenon-visible electromagnetic spectrum, such as infrared light. In suchembodiments, an infrared light source may be included in the targetingassembly, or separate from the targeting assembly, so that the targetingassembly camera may be able to detect reflected infrared light. Thiswould enable a user all of the advantages previous embodiment plus theability to see other characteristics of the field of view otherwiseinvisible to the user, such as infrared radiation. Similarly, thermalimaging sensors may be incorporated within the targeting assembly toprovide view of heat signatures within the sighting range of thetargeting device. In some assemblies, the targeting assembly may havemultiple sensor configurations that are switchable depending on thepreference of the users. Further, where appropriate, multiple sensorsmay be employed simultaneously (e.g., a thermal image from a thermalsensor superimposed over an image that includes the visual lightspectrum.)

In other embodiments of targeting assembly 500, the solid-stateelectronic image sensor of visual assembly 512 may be capable ofincreasing visibility in low-light environments so that a user can seeobjects or targets that they otherwise would be unable to seen due todarkness. In some embodiments, this may be done through softwareprocessing, while in other embodiments, hardware boosting may beemployed. In some embodiments, an infrared light source may beconfigured to output greater amounts of infrared light rather thanrelying solely on the sensor to increase visibility.

In some embodiments, the solid-state image sensor of visual assembly 512may include a variety of pixel counts sufficient to categorize thesensor of visual assembly 512 as producing a standard definition, highdefinition, 4 k definition or other sensor category. Further, the sensorof visual assembly 512 may include a sensor with characteristicsunrelated to standard sensor nomenclature regarding definition levels.

In some embodiments, battery assembly 502 may also provide power toprinted circuit board 506 and, in turn, to video transmission component508 and associated transmission channel selector 510. Transmissioncomponent 508 is generally configured to receive processed video datafrom video processor 504 and transmit it for ultimate display at adevice such as the user worn device illustrated in FIG. 8.

In some embodiments, video received at a video transmission componentmay be transmitted through a physical cable that passes from the imagetransmission component of targeting assembly 500 to a suitable videodisplay device. In other embodiments, the image transmission assemblytransmits images through a suitable wireless interface negating the needfor a physical transmission cable.

One such example is illustrated in targeting device 500. There, videotransmission component 508 is configured with wireless transmissioncapabilities. Such an embodiment would enable targeting device 500 tocommunicate with a compatible video receiver via a wireless connectionprotocol such as a BLUETOOTH, WiFi, UWB, 802.11x, or other wirelessconnection protocol utilizing electromagnetic wave technologies. Asshown in the slight differences between the arrangement of componentsbetween FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, the sub-assemblies contained withintargeting device 500 may be altered while still maintaining thecharacteristics of a targeting system disclosed herein. For instance, inFIG. 5B, the video processing assembly 504 is shown as extending furtherto the rear of targeting assembly 500 than battery 502 as compared tothe illustration shown in FIG. 5A. Additionally, as illustrated anddiscussed in conjunction with FIG. 5C, the main housing of targetingassembly 500 may be customized to provide support and installationpoints for the various components. Thus, the precise arrangement ofassemblies, components, cavities, recesses, grooves, etc., is dependentupon the embodiment and may be adapted based on certain parameters.

In addition, the targeting assembly 500 can transmit video signals to asmart device utilized in place of or as part of the viewing assemblyillustrated in FIG. 5. For instance, using a self-contained program orpiece of software designed for a specific purpose, such as an app, thetargeting assembly 500 can transmit video signals to a smart phone,smart eyewear, such as devices associated with GOOGLE GLASSES, RECONJET, VUZIX, or other smart device that could receive video signals.Wireless transmission may be controlled through channel selector 510 andmay comprise a dipswitch for changing transmission channel between thecamera and receiver that can be substituted, in some embodiments, with adigital channel switch. Additionally, where a manual channel selector isutilized, a corresponding access point must be provided through the mainbody of targeting system 500.

In still other configurations, to reduce the possibility of interferencefrom surrounding targeting systems, the targeting assembly may includemicroprocessors or other controllers incorporated in one or both of thetargeting assembly 500 and the receiver assembly 700 that can controlchannel switching and data transmission.

In some embodiments, targeting device 500 may also include removablestorage functionality. Such capability allows the targeting system 500to record video of firearm or weapon activity. For example, arecreational paintball player could record his match or a recreationalhunter his trophy hunt. Recording functionality could also serve as anexoneration tool for self-defense, military, or law enforcementapplications.

In such embodiments, a solid-state storage writer may be included aspart of PCB 506 with an associated access port in the main body oftargeting device 500 for installation and removal of a suitablesolid-state storage card (e.g., a micro-SD card) of a preferred storagecapacity. In other embodiments, onboard storage media may be employedalong with a suitable means (e.g., wireless transmission component 508or through cable based port and transmission) for transferring thestored data from targeting device 500 to a suitable viewer. Inembodiments where local or removable storage is enabled or utilized, itis also recognized that wireless transmission and display of a videostream is also simultaneously possible.

In some embodiments, a port provides an electrical connection to batteryassembly 502 that allows the battery to be electrically charged by anysuitable exterior power source by a port such as a USB port, a micro-USBport, or any other suitable port. Another cavity contains a customprinted circuit board designed to connect all the electronic modules andchips together for durability and lowering manufacture time.

As illustrated by targeting assembly 500, the exterior body is formed insuch a way that custom cavities are created to house the variousinternal operating components. For example, battery assembly 502 andvideo processing assembly 504 are shown in a large cavity in the mainbody surrounded closely by the exterior walls of targeting assembly 500.Above that cavity is an additional cavity designed to house the PCB,transmitter, and included components. Finally, adequate space androuting channels are provided to ensure that each component can beproperly connected to the other components in order to ensure properoperation.

By customizing the housing of targeting assembly 500, the internalcomponents are better protected from external forces and securely heldin place while preforming their respective functions. As illustrated inFIG. 5C, the various grooves and cavities are configured to preciselyreceive the various subcomponents within the housing. Such cavities andgrooves function together to protect the internal components fromexternal factors that may be detrimental to proper functioning such asweather, physical impact, or the like. In addition, the various cavitiesand grooves may include sub-grooves and recesses similar based on theparticular embodiment. In addition, the surfaces of each of the groovesand cavities can have a continuous surface or intermittent or brokensurface while still supporting whichever components are mounted thereinor thereto. Further, the cavities and grooves can include, alternativelyor additionally, one or more seals or cushioning members, such asrubber, foams, etc., to limit transmission of shock forces to mountedcomponents. The cavities and grooves, and associated components of thetargeting system can include cooperating locking features, such asdetents, threads, pins, etc. which allow releasable connecting,coupling, or otherwise mounting of different components of the targetingsystem to the main body. Alternatively, those components can be joinedwith the main body of targeting assembly 500 by adhesives, thermalbonds, or other manners of securely attaching those components to themain body.

For example, FIG. 5C shows cavity 502 b configured to hold batteries 502as shown in FIG. 5A. Additionally, cavity 504 a is configured to holdvideo processing assembly 504. Similarly, cavity 410 a is configured tohold switch 410. As was discussed in conjunction with the differencesbetween FIGS. 5A and 5B, cavities 502 b, 504 a, and 410 a may bemodified and customized to fit the particular configuration ofcomponents desired in a given targeting system 500. For instance, cavity504 a may be extended toward the rear relative to that shown in FIG. 5Ain order to accommodate the embodiment shown in FIG. 5B. Likewise, aswas discussed previously, if an alternative power switch 410 isselected, main body 406 may be modified in order to customize cavity 410a to more precisely match the alternative power switch. Additionally,depending on the embodiment, one or more of cavities 502 b, 504 a, or410 a may be incorporated within other cavities or may be eliminatedentirely.

Additionally, the cavities and grooves may decrease the difficultyrequired to install, repair, or upgrade internal components. Forinstance, video sensor and lens technology like that employed in visualassembly 512 are frequently improved. In the future, a user may upgradethe functionality of the targeting assembly 500 by dropping a newervisual assembly into cavity 504 a in the place of current visualassembly 512. Alternatively, as was described in reference to FIG. 4,the visual assembly may be interchangeable with assemblies that includesolid-state image sensors sensitive to additional or alternativefrequencies of electromagnetic radiation. The video assembly may alsocontain multiple image sensors on the same adjusting cone in order tolet the user switch between different electromagnetic frequencies toview in the screen. Each of those individual sensors may also beindependently removable or upgradable, depending on the embodiment.

Likewise, battery technology like that employed in power assembly 502 islikely to be improved in the future yielding batteries with moredesirable characteristics such as longer life, shorter recharge times,or reduced weight. In the modular design employed by targeting assembly500, rechargeable battery 502 could be easily replaced in the future toincrease the capabilities of the targeting assembly.

In one embodiment of targeting device 500, a separate battery back maybe utilized to provide larger power reserves for longer use. In anypower configuration, both the targeting device mounted on the weapon andthe receiver and monocular device require power. Depending on theembodiment, a combination of batter types may be utilized acrosscomponents. For example, in some embodiments, the targeting assemblymounted on the weapon might use a smaller, rechargeable battery packwhile the receiver and monocular display utilize a pocket or packmounted battery pack connected via cable. Where mobility and rapiddeployment are valued, either or both components may utilize disposablebatteries to eliminate recharge times.

In embodiments where rechargeable batteries or external battery packsare used, the individual assemblies requiring power (i.e., the receiver,monocular display, and targeting assembly) may be configured with astandardized power connect or charging port such as a USB variant likemicro-USB. By utilizing a common charging port like micro-USB, users mayalso be able to recharge with common cables and transformers like thosecommonly used in mobile phone rechargers.

In some configurations, a combination of power sources may be used in asingle assembly. For instance, each subassembly may include an embeddedback-up battery that only provides power if a larger or primary powersupply runs out or malfunctions. The visual assembly 22 receives powerfrom the battery by way of hardwired connections 52 running between thebattery 50 in rear cavity 38 through the middle groove 44 and to thevisual assembly 22 contained within front cavity 36. Similarly, videostream data transmission assembly 32 receives power from power supplyassembly 30 through hardwired power connections if no external batteryis connected.

As illustrated in FIG. 5B, the precise arrangement of internalcomponentry may be modified and the associated cavities, recesses, orgrooves of main body 406 may be adjusted to accommodate. In theillustrated embodiment, video processor 504 in FIG. 5B is shown asextending further to the rear of targeting system 500 as compared toFIG. 5A. Likewise, the structure of main body 406 has been modified tomaintain a complimentary recess to house the component.

FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B illustrate two views of visual assembly adjuster600. Visual assembly adjuster 600 includes adjuster members 418 a and418 b, adjuster member retention nuts 602 and 604, and retention spring606. Additionally, visual assembly housing 418 c houses the visualassembly 512 that includes lenses, sensor chips, and other hardwarenecessary to produce a video stream as required by a particularembodiment.

Generally, visual assembly adjuster 600 enables the vertical andhorizontal axes of visual assembly 512 to be independently fine-tunedfor any firearm by utilizing adjustment points on the attachment (e.g.,setscrews, knobs, springs, detents, etc.). The adjustment points on thetop and one side hold the camera in place with the assistance of anopposing compression spring. The rear of the adjustment point allows thecone to pivot with the adjustment points while the opposing compressionspring maintains retention.

Assembly housing 418 c also includes rear profile cone 608 and adjusterreference pin 610. Finally, housing 418 c also includes depression 514that mates to an extrusion or other raised member of visual assembly 512in order to keep visual member 512 consistently oriented within housing418 c.

When installed within a targeting assembly, such as targeting assembly402 of FIG. 4, the components of visual assembly adjuster 600 functionto allow the visual assembly 512 to be calibrated to a particulardevice. By manipulating members 418 a and/or 418 b in or out, housing418 c can be adjusted.

In some embodiments, the rear of housing 418 c is conical in shape witha reference pin extending rearward from the apex of the cone, asrepresented by rear profile cone 608 and adjuster reference pin 610. Insuch an embodiment, housing 418 c can be adjusted in any directionwithin the tolerances of the manipulation members while maintainingdirect contact with a portion of the targeting assembly via adjuster pin610. For example, housing 418 c may be installed in main body 406 oftargeting assembly 402. In this manner, adjuster reference pin 610provides a consistent and fixed adjustment point.

Finally, retention spring 606 functions to provide a counter force tothe force provided by adjustment members 418 a and 418 b. By utilizing aspring (rather than, for instance, a third manipulation member), housing418 c always remains firmly seated and attached with three points ofcontact.

Adjuster members 418 a and 418 b may be a screw or other adjustingmechanism and may be made from metal, alloy, plastics, polymers, orother suitably strong material. Likewise, the members may be adjustablesimply by hand-manipulation or may require a specialized tool (e.g., ahex key) to ensure no inadvertent adjustments are made.

Thus far, disclosure has included a device-mounted targeting assemblycapable of capturing video, processing video, and passing the processedvideo to a video stream transmission component. Turning now to FIG. 7Aand FIG. 7B an embodiment of a remote video transmission receiver 700 isillustrated.

In FIG. 7A, a main receiver body 702 houses a battery 704, videoreceiver 706, and printed circuit board (PCB) 708 that further includespower switch 710, power port 712, and transmission channel selector 716.In some embodiments, switch 710, port 712, and channel selector 716 arephysically soldered to PCB 708. In other embodiments, PCB 708 may beconfigured to include some or all of those components as integratedcircuits. Thus, the exact method of including those components is lessimportant that the inclusion of the functions that they ultimatelyperform.

Receiver body 702 also includes mounting screws 720 a and 720 b. In someembodiments, these mounting screws may both secure a protective lid(illustrated as lid 724 on FIG. 7B) and/or provide a means to mount thereceiver body to another surface or attachment point (e.g., a helmet,belt, tactical pack, etc.). In some embodiments, a different attachmentmechanism other than mounting screws 720 a and 720 b may be used formounting or securing the receiver body 720 to an attachment point.Receiver body 702 also includes several recesses or grooves to theexterior of body 702 such as groove 722 configured to allow a cable orother transmission component access to the exterior of receiver body 702(e.g., such as a charging cable or antenna.)

In some embodiments, transmission receiver 700 includes a solid-statevideo processor microchip 714 that processes the received video streamdata and converts it into electrical signals appropriate for display ona viewing device, such as a video display 810 of display assembly 802,as illustrated in FIG. 8. The converted video stream data is passed fromthe video processor microchip 714 to the video display 810 along aphysical cable connecting at port 808. In some embodiments, intermediaryvideo processing may be required between video processor microchip 714and video display 810. Such processing may occur at transmissionreceiver 700, monocle assembly 800, or at some additional videoprocessing point between (e.g., a video transmission encryptioncomponent may be utilized for wireless transmission of video to ensurethat the transmitted video stream cannot be viewed by unauthorizedviewers.)

In some embodiments, the power saving configurations discussed aboverelating to the targeting system assembly 402 may also apply to thereceiving assembly. For example, differing types of switches may beimplemented within receiver 700 to better control power consumptionwhile still ensuring rapid and automatic availability. A sleep mode maybe configured enabling diminished power draw from the battery until thereceiver detects a video transmission being sent from the targetingassembly. Once the signal is again stopped (e.g., if the weapon isholstered) the receiver 700 may be configured to reenter a sleep mode.In some embodiments, a delay may be configured such that temporarylapses in video transmission will not power the receiver down. In otherembodiments, both a smart switch and a physical switch may be employed.This may be desirable to a user to ensure the receiver stays on (or off)regardless of whether video transmission is occurring.

In embodiments where a transmission channel selector is utilized, suchas in receiver 700, the channel selector 716 should be compatible withand set to the same channel as the video transmission component of thetargeting device, such as transmission component 508 of targeting device500. In some embodiments, transmission channel selector 716 (and, e.g.,508) may be adjustable via dip-switches or other mechanical means. Inother embodiments, both the transmitter and receiver may be configuredvia software, firmware, or some other suitable means known in the art.

In some embodiments, power port 712 may be configured to charge internalbattery 704 from an external power source. Port 712 may utilize a commonport and charging protocol like USB, or an alternative configuration.Additionally, because receiver 700 is designed to be carried by a userin a location that is less weight sensitive (e.g., waist, pack, helmet,etc.) the power capacity of receiver 700 may be substantial. In suchembodiments, power port 712 may also be configured to supply power via ahardwired cable to another component of the targeting system. Forexample, a cable may be run from power port 712 to the monocular displayshown in FIG. 8 to reduce the overall size and weight of the component.Additionally, in some configurations, receiver 700 may also oralternatively provide power to a targeting device such as targetingdevice 402 of FIG. 4.

In some embodiments, port 712 may be configured to allow an externalbattery to be connected in tandem with internal battery 704 such thatreception of a video stream and subsequent transmission to a suitableviewer can continue to operate even if the internal battery is dead.Additionally, a power charge regulator, such as a microcontrollerincluded in PCB 708, can be programmed with a battery protection programand utilized to ensure safe and proper charging of battery 704. In someembodiments, an external removable or rechargeable battery pack may beworn or carried by a user in a location other than the location ofreceiver 700. For instance, a user may mount receiver 700 with internalbatter 704 on a helmet 726 (as illustrated in FIG. 7B). A user can thencarry a larger capacity external battery connected to receiver 700 atport 712 in a location like the waist or a backpack. Finally, on/offswitch 710 may regulate power flow to the other components.

In some embodiments, the internal battery 704 of receiver 700 alsoprovides electrical power directly to viewing assembly 800 asillustrated in FIG. 8A. To reduce weight and mitigate any additionalinterference to the user's field of view caused by additional cables, asingle video transmission cable (not shown) may be configured to passsufficient electrical power in addition to video stream data to videodisplay assembly 802. In some embodiments, power and video may be passedto the video display on two separate transmission cables. Finally, insome configurations, a mixture of transmission methods may be employed(e.g., video transmitted using a wireless transmission protocol whilepower is supplied via a cable.)

In some embodiments, portions of receiver body 700, such as surface 718,may be comprised of metals, plastics, resins, or other materials likecarbon fiber. In some embodiments, different areas of receiver body 700may be made of different materials in order to support the internalfunction of the included components or to reduce weight, increasestrength, or other goals. For instance, portions of receiver body 702may comprise materials that reduce interference with wireless videotransmissions near an antenna, while the rest of the assembly comprisesmaterials that block exterior transmission of competing wirelesssignals.

Viewing assembly 800 includes video display assembly 802 and userglasses 804. The video assembly 802 includes a display housing 806, aconnection port 808, and a display 810 (shown as dotted line). Further,in some embodiments, video assembly 802 is mounted to glasses 804 bymeans of a mounting frame 812 that includes planar adjusting arms 814and attachment hardware 818.

By utilizing a monocular design for the viewing assembly, the targetingsystem allows a user to see both their normal field of view through theunobstructed eye as well as an augmented view of the targeting assemblymounted on the firearm with the other eye. However, in some embodiments,a video assembly 802 may also be provided over the user's second eye. Insome such configurations, stereoscopic video may be provided. In otherbinocular configurations, each eye may receive a different version ofthe image transmitted from the targeting device. For instance, inconfigurations where the targeting assembly may be capable of detectinglight from both the visible and infrared spectra, one video assembly mayreceive the “normal” view, while the other display receives an“enhanced” view.

In some embodiments, a data and/or power transmission cable may beutilized to transmit a video stream and sufficient power to operate thedisplay 810 from port 712 of receiver 700 to port 808 of viewingassembly 800. By utilizing a single cable that can transport bothstreams, the overall size and of display assembly 802 can be minimized.However, it is recognized that in the future battery and video receptionand processing hardware may be miniaturized to a level that displayassembly 802 may include its own battery and wireless video receptioncapabilities. In such embodiments, video may be transmitted directlyfrom targeting device 402 of FIG. 4 to viewing assembly 800 without theneed of receiver 700.

Because display assembly 802 may be mounted to an array of user glasses804, there is a need to provide a means to adjust the location and planeof video display 810 relative to a user's eye. In some embodiments,mounting frame 812 includes adjusting arms 814 that work in conjunctionwith attachment hardware 818 to alter the viewing angle of video display810.

For example, in one embodiment, turning adjuster arm 814 in a clockwiserotation relative to the end farther from the user glasses 804 willcause that corner of mounting frame 812 to increase in distance from thelens of user glasses 804 resulting in a slight upward tilt of the sameupper-right corner of the video display 810. Similarly, rotating theadjuster arm 816 in a counter clockwise rotation would cause thelower-right portion of frame 812 to decrease in distance from the lensof user glasses 804 again resulting in an upward tilt of video display810. Various configurations of adjusting arms may be utilized dependingon the embodiment. For instance, one embodiment might utilize twoadjuster arms in the upper corners of a mounting frame, while anothermay use two and the bottom and one at the top. In some embodiments, anadjuster arm may be located at each of the four corners of mountingframe 812 to enable an increased degree of adjusting as well asproviding four points of contact against the user eyeglasses 804.

Finally, mounting hardware 818 allows mounting frame 812 to be securelyattached to eyeglasses 804. By utilizing mounting hardware 818 thatattaches to the inside of the frame portion of user glasses 804, theadjusting arms 814 and 816 of mounting frame 812 have suitableresistance against which to adjust. Thus, mounting hardware 818 shouldbe comprised of a material that allows for suitable resistance againstthe adjuster arms while still being ductile enough to allow fornecessary adjustments.

In some embodiments, attachment hardware 818 may be configured to “hook”or otherwise attach to the upper and lower portions of the user eyeglass804. Such a configuration would allow a minimal amount of obstructionbetween the user's eye and the video display 810.

In other embodiments, a continuous band (e.g., a rubber band) may beused as the mounting hardware 818. In such configurations, one or moretransparent or translucent attachment bands (e.g., rubber bands, plasticstraps, or another suitable ductile material) serve to secure themonocular display frame to the front of the glasses and improve supportto keep the display static to the glasses. A continuous band may bepreferable in situations where absolute mounting security is desirableor in a situation where user glasses 804 lack a suitable interior lip toallow a hook configuration to be successful. Additionally, a continuousloop also allows the display assembly 802 and mounting assembly to beused across multiple different user glasses without adaptation.

In other embodiments, display assembly 802 may be mounted to usereyeglasses 800 by another means such as by suction mounting cups locatedat each corner of the display housing 806. By applying pressure to thedisplay housing 806 with one or more suction mounting cups in contactwith any user eyeglass 800 lens, display assembly 802 can be mounted ina manner that places video display 810 within the line of site of oneeye of the user.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8B, display assembly 802 may be attachedto arm 804 of a user's glasses by means of semi-rigid arm 820. At theconnection end of arm 820 is an attachment means 822 such as a springclip. Attachment means 822 can be manipulated by a user to clip orotherwise secure one end of arm 820 to the glasses. The opposite end ofarm 820 is then secured to the mounting frame at, for instance, framerail 902 b. Additionally, because arm 820 is only semi-rigid, a user mayflex, bend, or otherwise reshape the arm in order to adjust the locationof visual assembly 802 relative to the user's eye.

In some embodiments, multiple semi-rigid arms and attachment means, suchas those illustrated as arm 820 and attachment means 822 may beutilized. In such embodiments, multiple points of connection may be madebetween display assembly 802 and user glasses. In other embodiments,some attachment point may be permanent or semi-permanent, while othersare designed to be rapidly detached. For instance, display assembly 802may include two attachment means that attach to the top of the frame ofthe user glasses in a semi-permanent manner. An additional arm 820 andattachment means 822 may connect to the bottom of the lens in an easilydetachable configuration. Such an embodiment would allow a user to“flip” the display assembly 802 out of the way by detaching the lowerattachment means and pivoting the display assembly 802 up by utilizingthe semi-permanent attachment points. Such flip away embodiments may beachieved using other configurations of selectively removable attachmentpoints.

Semi-rigid arm 820 may be composed of a ductile or malleable materialsuch as copper, a metal alloy, plastic, or other semi-rigid adjustablematerial known in the art. Attachment means 822, likewise, may becomposed of any number of materials and configurations such that it mayattach securely to a user worn device such as eye glasses with enoughstrength to support the weight of visual display 802 and accommodatestresses associated with adjusting the visual display 802.

User eyeglasses 804 may also include a protective exoskeleton that ismounted or removably attached. This protective exoskeleton can befabricated from a polymer, metals, ceramics, composites, alloys,aluminum, carbon fibers, and combinations therefore, or other materialsthat provide wear resistance and impact protection to the eyeglasses.

In some configurations, the monocular display frame may include fixed,substantially inflexible attachment points that are designed to becompatible with one or more specific eyeglass frame. While such aconfiguration may reduce the total number of eyeglass frames the displaymay be compatible with, it may increase the adjustability and securityof the monocular display on compatible frames. Further, in suchembodiments, the frame may be detachable from the monocular displayallowing a user to switch frames if or when they switch eyeglasses. Inthis manner, a user has the option to utilize a universal attachmentmechanism (e.g., using ductile straps) or a more customized attachmentmechanism (e.g., monocular frame with compatible substantiallyinflexible attachment points.) In some embodiments, the monoculardisplay assembly may include a variety of different mounting framesdesigned to support a variety of eyeglass frames allowing a user toselect their preferred mounting configuration.

A more detailed version of the mounting frame 812 and associatedadjusting arms 814 and 816 are shown in FIG. 9. Video display mountingframe 900 includes frame rails 902 a and 902 b, biasing joints 904 a and904 b, cavity 908, and adjuster arm 910. Adjust arm 910 further includesadjuster head 912 and contact point 914.

In order to properly secure a video display housing such as displayhousing 806 of FIG. 8A, mounting frame 900 is capable of temporarilyexpanding to insert a compatible display housing and then returning toits original size thereby locking the display housing in place.

For instance, in embodiment 900, cavity 908 can be enlarged bymanipulating frame rail 902 a away from frame rail 902 b. This ispossible because biasing joints 904 a and 904 b connect the two rails,but do so with a particular level of ductility. Once the forcemanipulating the rails apart is removed, biasing joints 904 a and 904 breturn to their original unbiased position. This allows a video displayhousing to be inserted while in the biased position and then securedwhen in the unbiased position.

Once a video housing is installed within mounting frame 900, the one ormore adjuster arms 910 may be used to adjust the plane of the videodisplay as described in conjunction with FIG. 8A.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. The scope of the invention, therefore, is indicatedby the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges, which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims, are to be embraced within their scope.

What is claimed is:
 1. A targeting system for visualizing a target, thetargeting system comprising: a targeting assembly comprising a main bodymountable to a weapon having a rail mount and an adjustable attachmentrail selectively mountable to the main body, the main body supporting avisual assembly, a first power assembly, and a transmission assembly,wherein the adjustable attachment rail is movable towards or away fromthe main body to form a variable width profile being inverse of aprofile of the rail mount, and wherein the width of the variable widthprofile corresponds to a width of the rail mount profile; and a viewingassembly in communication with the targeting assembly, the viewingassembly comprising a receiver assembly, a second power assembly, and adisplay assembly removably mounted to eye spectacles, the second powerassembly being separate from the first power assembly.
 2. The targetingsystem of claim 1, wherein the transmission assembly is configured totransmit a video stream over a wireless connection to the receiverassembly.
 3. The targeting system of claim 2, wherein the receiverassembly, in response to receiving a video stream from the targetingassembly, transmits the video stream to the viewing assembly.
 4. Thetargeting system of claim 1, wherein the adjustable attachment rail anda portion of the main body form a profile complementary to a rail mountof a weapon to which the targeting assembly mounts.
 5. The targetingsystem of claim 4, wherein the main body includes a first profileextending in a first direction and the adjustable attachment railincludes a second profile extending the first direction, the firstprofile and the second profile being inverse of a profile of the railmount.
 6. A targeting system of claim 1, wherein the display assemblyfurther comprise a removable or rechargeable power supply.
 7. Thetargeting system of claim 1, wherein the main body includes anexoskeleton.
 8. The targeting system of claim 1, wherein the main bodycomprises a power controller.
 9. A method for aiming a weapon having arail mount, the method comprising: mounting a targeting assembly to therail mount, wherein mounting the targeting assembly to the rail mountincludes: securing an adjustment rail to a main body of the targetingassembly to form a variable width profile, the variable width profilebeing inverse of a profile of the rail mount; adjusting a width of thevariable width profile by moving the adjustment rail towards or awayfrom the main body so that the width of the variable width profilecorresponds to a width of the rail mount profile; and securing thevariable width profile of the targeting assembly around the rail mountprofile; mounting a viewing assembly with a video display on a lens ofeye spectacles having a second field of view, the second field of viewremaining at least partially unobstructed when the viewing assembly ismounted on the lens; capturing video stream data within a first field ofview of the targeting assembly; and transmitting the video stream datafrom the targeting assembly to the viewing assembly; and displaying thevideo stream data on the video display removably attached to the lens ofeye spectacles.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein mounting the viewingassembly with a video display on the lens of eye spectacles furthercomprises mounting the viewing assembly using a semi-rigid arm, the armbeing mounted to the viewing assembly at a first end of the arm andmounted to the eye spectacles on a second end of the arm.
 11. The methodof claim 9, further comprising mounting a receiver assembly to the eyespectacles.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising electricallyconnecting the receiver assembly to the video display by a videotransmission cable.
 13. A method for aiming a weapon having a railmount, the method comprising: mounting a targeting assembly to theweapon, the targeting assembly comprising at least a visual assemblyhaving a first field of view, wherein mounting the targeting assemblyincludes: securing an adjustment rail to a main body of the targetingassembly to form a variable width profile, the variable width profilebeing inverse of a profile of the rail mount; and adjusting a width ofthe variable width profile by moving the adjustment rail towards or awayfrom the main body so that the width of the variable width profilecorresponds to a width of the rail mount profile; positioning a viewingportal within a second field of view so that the second field of viewremains at least partially unobstructed; connecting the targetingassembly to the viewing portal; drawing the weapon, wherein drawing theweapon activates the targeting assembly and the viewing portal;transmitting video data stream data from the targeting assembly to theviewing portal; and displaying the video data stream to the user throughthe viewing portal.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein mounting thetargeting assembly further comprises mounting a main body to a structurespecific mount.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein mounting thetargeting assembly further comprise mounting a main body to one of anaccessory rail mount, a scope mount, a barrel mount, and a drone mount.16. The method of claim 13, wherein mounting the viewing portalcomprises mounting a video display on eye spectacles worn by a user. 17.The method of claim 16, further comprising mounting a receiver assemblyon the eye spectacles worn by the user.
 18. The method of claim 17,further comprising electrically connecting the receiver assembly and theviewing portal.
 19. The method of claim 13, wherein the mounting of thetargeting assembly to a weapon includes mounting a main body of thetargeting assembly to a fire arm with a rail assembly, the main bodyincluding at least a visual assembly; an act of mounting a viewingportal, including at least a video display, on eye spectacles worn by auser, wherein the displaying of the video stream to the user through theviewing portal includes displaying the video on the visual display; anact of transmitting video data stream data from the targeting assemblyto the viewing portal via BLUETOOTH; and an act of displaying the videodata stream to the user through the video display removably attached tothe user's eye spectacles.